Holly Nelson-Becker

Holly Nelson-Becker is a Professor and Division Lead in the Social Work Division at Brunel University London, with additional affiliation as a Visiting Scholar at Loyola University Chicago. Her work bridges gerontology, clinical social work, and spiritual care, focusing on aging populations and end-of-life practices.

• Education: PhD in Social Work (University of Chicago), Master’s in Social Work (Arizona State University)

Dr. Nelson-Becker’s research centers on geriatric social work, spirituality and aging, and cultural expressions in palliative care. She has pioneered frameworks for spiritual assessment and explored virtues, resilience, and interprofessional palliative care practices.

Key trends in her publications include spiritual care standards in palliative care, end-of-life ethics for marginalized groups, cross-cultural spirituality in aging, and ritual’s role in community building for older adults. Her work often integrates qualitative methodologies and positive psychology principles.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellowship in the Gerontological Society of America (2013)
• Co-author of US national standards for spiritual care in palliative care

As a mentor, Dr. Nelson-Becker supports PhD students in gerontology, spirituality, and clinical practice. She has contributed to policy development through roles like Chair of the Gerontological Society of America’s Interest Group on Religion, Spirituality, and Aging.